Martial law extended in Aceh

The Indonesian government has extended martial law in the province of Aceh for a further six months. Ministers admitted failing to meet an initial six month deadline for suppressing separatist rebels from the Free Aceh Movement (Gam). “The military operation will continue,” said security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Hundreds of combatants and civilians have died since the crackdown was launched in May. The decision to authorise an extension was made during a meeting between President Megawati Sukarnoputri and ministers and generals in Jakarta. Mr Yudhoyono said the situation would now be slightly more flexible, with the operation evaluated monthly so that it could either be “extended or shortened”. Full Story

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